Lancashire will give members final say on ECB domestic structure proposals

The ECB's high-performance review is expected to deliver its findings to the first-class network on September 9, with county chairs expected to be asked to vote on September 20

Lancashire have committed to giving members the ultimate decision on any proposals made to counties as a result of the ECB high-performance review.

The review is expected to deliver its findings to the first-class network on September 9, with county chairs due to be asked to vote on September 20.

Lancashire had previously scheduled a special general meeting to discuss the matter - and particularly the potential reduction of County Championship matches - with its membership. However, given the tight schedule required of the review, its feedback, a vote and then its implementation ahead of a fixture release which the counties would prefer takes place in November, that SGM has now been cancelled.

Instead, the Red Rose members will get the chance to have their say on proposals made by Andrew Strauss's panel on September 19. Lancashire will provide member with an outline of the proposals and a commentary from the board on what has been presented by the ECB, in advance of that date.

In a statement, Lancashire pledged to honour the result of that vote when its chair, Andy Anson, represents the club at the ECB general meeting the following day. 

^{Lancashire will give members' the decision on ECB's domestic structure proposals [Getty Images]}

Part of the statement read: "The club will... commit to vote at the chairs' meeting at Lord's on Tuesday, September 20 according to the result of the members' vote the day before, having carefully considered arguments on all sides. This proposed approach allows all members to vote on the ECB's proposal in full and not just on the number of County Championship fixtures in isolation and ensures the club's members' voices are heard.

"Lancashire Cricket, by its very constitution, values and encourages member debate and feedback on issues that impact the future of the wider game.

"We fully acknowledge and share the passion of our members for all forms of county cricket, especially the County Championship."

Lancashire this week sent a letter to the ECB governance structure, outlining the feedback it has received to members following media reports that the Championship could be cut down from its current 14-game calendar should the high-performance review's suggestions be implemented.

^{Lancashire members will vote on the ECB proposals at a forum on September 19 [Getty Images]}

A grassroots initiative among members, driven by the Lancashire Action Group, secured enough votes to force an SGM, before the club called one of their own to discuss the possible future format of county cricket. 

In its statement on Friday, Lancashire said it has reminded the ECB of "the importance of the County Championship to Lancashire Cricket and to make sure that they are aware of the need to listen to cricket supporters, not just in the north west but across the country."

Fifteen of the 18 first-class counties are owned by their members, with the exceptions being Hampshire, Northamptonshire and Durham. It is unclear what processes the other 14 will commit to in the short timetable proposed by the ECB, who hope to have agreement on a future domestic structure by the end of September. 

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